The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, cultural exchange, and the expansion of Nigeria’s creative industry as the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, celebrated emerging filmmakers at the grand finale of the EU Short Film Competition during the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Mignot said the EU remains firmly committed to supporting initiatives that nurture young talent, amplify African narratives, and strengthen cultural cooperation between Europe and Nigeria through film and the creative arts.
The EU Short Film Competition, a major highlight of the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival, recorded a total of 537 short film submissions following a nationwide call for entries launched on September 5, 2025. Submissions closed on November 10, 2025, representing one of the highest participation rates in the history of the competition.
All entries were reviewed by a professional five-member screening committee constituted by High Definition Film Studio, which assessed submissions based on established criteria and shortlisted 15 outstanding films for screening at the grand finale.
The shortlisted films were subsequently evaluated by a four-member jury comprising Obi Emelonye, a multi-award-winning producer and director; Prince Daniel (Aboki), an acclaimed filmmaker whose Mai Martaba was Nigeria’s official submission to the 2025 Academy Awards; Emmanuel Eyaba, producer, director and Public Relations Officer of the Directors Guild of Nigeria; and Bright Wonder Obasi, a multi-award-winning writer, producer, director and curator of the EU Short Film Competition.
At the conclusion of deliberations, Blindspot, directed by Angel Gabriel, emerged as the overall winner and received a cash prize of ₦1.5 million. 1 Minute, directed by Xavier Achi, was named First Runner-Up with a prize of ₦750,000, while Under the Sane Sky, directed by Victor Eze Onyebuchi, emerged Second Runner-Up, receiving ₦500,000.
The event attracted 269 guests, including the Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Zissimos Vergos; the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Pieter Leenknegt; senior officials of the EU Delegation; the Director-General of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Ali Nuhu; leaders of the Zuma International Film Festival; film industry professionals; students; and emerging filmmakers from across the country.
The EU Short Film Competition continues to serve as a key platform for identifying new voices, promoting socially relevant storytelling, and deepening cultural collaboration between the European Union and Nigeria’s dynamic film industry.
